Divided trade at select show jumping foal sale

There was a notably divided trade at Barnadown last Sunday, where the Breeders’ Classic show jumping championships played host to the Goresbridge Supreme sale of show jumping foals.

Pre-selected from a sizeable entry, this year’s foals came under the scrutiny of Tiernan Gill and Ronan Rothwell, before they were whittled down to just 15.

In comparison to previous years, just three foals made five figures – the highest of which was €24,000 for a Belgian consigned embryo in utero. Despite this, the overall clearance rate improved to illustrate that 71% (52% in 2018) changed hands leading to a similar average of €10,350 (€10,633).

Of course, if you omit the top return, this average lessens considerably which looking forward has to be a concern for breeders.

Reflecting on the figures, Martin Donohoe commented: “I’m happy enough with the clearance, although obviously I would have liked to see more foals making bigger prices.”

Sale toppers

Offered for sale by Belgian consigner Pieter Goyvaerts, the sale topper, an embryo by Chacco Blue, will be a half sibling to the Saudi Arabian ridden Jolie Van Essene D15 (1.35m), as well as a full sibling to the approved BWP stallion Q’Chacco Blue Van Essene. Local man David Cullen, of Seafield House Stud landed the top lot.

The momentum carried forward to the second lot which, consigned by John Mulconroy, changed hands for €18,000. This eye catcher was by Air Jordan out of Diamonds For Douglas (1.50m) who was a regular on the home Grand Prix circuit when campaigned by Alex Butler and Joan Greene. Aside from this foal’s dam.

Carrickfergus producer Melanie Davison had to battle hard to secure this attractive foal, saying afterwards: “I had no intention of buying a foal today at all, but I remembered the dam, and used to jump against her. I even stopped bidding at one stage, but my husband phoned and persuaded me to go on.”

The final five figure price at €10,000 went to GBBS Int Ltd’s colt by Luidam out of Diamond Jubilee. Ger O’Neill, on behalf of UK-based Cassidy Sport Horses signed for this one. The dam is a lightly competed half sibling to Mullaghdrin Gold Rain (1.60m) as well as Untouchable (1.60m) and Mullaghdrin Touch The Stars (1.60m).

Also making an impact, Joe Allen’s colt by Cornet Obolensky was knocked down to Michael Condon for €9,500, while Mary McShane’s filly by Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve was secured by Gorey buyer Pat Kavanagh at €9,000. Remaining prices ranged from €4,000 to €8,500.